Food for Thought: August 18th

Self-Respect

When we were overeating, we did not have much self-respect. Because we felt guilty about the quantity of food we were consuming and the way we looked, we had a very poor self-image. Since we did not respect ourselves, we did not act in a way which evoked respect from others. We put ourselves down and allowed other people to use us.

Abstinence and the OA program produce a change, which is often astonishing. Our self-respect grows in direct proportion to the control we acquire. When we stop overeating and begin to live in accordance with the will of our Higher Power, we can accept and respect ourselves. Those around us respond to us differently as our own attitude improves.

What we realize is that self-respect and inner acceptance are more important than any external approval or disapproval. Instead of living for the admiration of others, we seek each day to follow the will of our Higher Power.

I am grateful for the self-respect OA has given me.

From Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters by Elisabeth L. ©1980, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation.

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When I am at peace with myself is when I realize the enormity of Abstinence. Without it, I dwell in self-hatred, guilt, and poor self-image. I allow others to take advantage of me, since I see myself as 'less than'. I compare myself to others, and I always come up SHORT! What a waste of precious time all THAT nonsense is!!!!!!!

 

Today, I choose to stay Abstinent & to live in the present moment. God has a plan for me, and I recognize that I am exactly where I NEED to be right now.  I will feel my emotions without eating or drinking them away.  Numbing myself to life prevents me from living a full and joyous life.  I no longer care to stuff down that which feels 'uncomfortable.'  Discomfort has a lesson in it..........and coming through that unease without 'using' empowers me to do it again. And again.

 

For today, I will treat myself with the same respect and kindness I use for others.  For today, I accept myself as a child of God and a worthy human being. 

For today, I will place Abstinence on the TOP of my priority list. Without it, I fall back down into the abyss of misery.